Early Life
Who was David’s great-grandmother, known from the Book of Ruth?
Ruth the Moabite
What sign did Jonathan give David in the field to warn him about Saul’s intentions?
Shooting arrows and sending a boy to retrieve them with coded words
How many years did David reign over Judah before becoming king of all Israel?
7½ years
What message did Bathsheba send to David after their encounter?
“I am pregnant.”
What instrument is most often associated with David in the psalms?
The harp (or lyre)
What color is David’s appearance described as in 1 Samuel 16?
Ruddy, with bright eyes
How many times did David spare Saul’s life?
Twice
Who commanded Saul’s army and opposed David’s rise until later joining him?
Abner son of Ner
How did Joab arrange for Uriah the Hittite’s death?
Put him at the front of battle and ordered the army to withdraw from him
Which psalm famously begins, “The Lord is my shepherd”?
Psalm 23
What animals did David kill while protecting his flock?
A lion and a bear
What kindness did David later show to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth?
Restored his inheritance and had him eat at the king’s table
What was the name of Saul’s son who briefly ruled Israel before David’s kingship?
Ish-bosheth
Which of David’s sons rebelled and declared himself king in Hebron?
Absalom
Which psalm reflects David’s repentance after Nathan’s rebuke over Bathsheba?
Psalm 51
What weapon did David carry with him besides his sling when he faced Goliath?
A shepherd’s staff
What did Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba do to betray him during Absalom’s rebellion?
Lied that Mephibosheth wanted the throne, and brought provisions to David
Who assassinated Abner, and why?
Joab, to avenge his brother Asahel’s death
How did David show mercy to Saul when he found him sleeping in a cave?
Cut off a corner of Saul’s robe instead of killing him
How does David describe God as a refuge in the Psalms?
As a fortress, shield, stronghold, and deliverer (Psalm 18; Psalm 46 imagery).
After killing Goliath, where did David place Goliath’s armor?
In his own tent
How was David’s friendship with Jonathan described in the Bible?
Jonathan loved David as his own soul; their friendship was deep, loyal, and covenantal (1 Samuel 18:1–3)
Was David right or wrong for dancing in front of the ark?
Why?
What city did Absalom declare himself king in? starts with the letter H
Hebron
In Psalm 34, written after David pretended to be insane before Abimelek, what key theme is repeated?
Deliverance of the righteous and God’s protection of those who fear Him